WASHINGTON (March 15, 2007)–This year’s High Point International Home Furnishings Market will receive a burst of culture when National Geographic unveils the new Home Italia Collection at the 2007 Spring Market on March 26-31. Influenced by National Geographic’s archives of ancient civilizations and excavations, the Italia Collection presents an elegant array of sophisticated furniture that combines classic 18th-century Italian design and Italy’s pursuit of classic style.

Ashes from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79 preserved villas in Pompeii and Herculaneum. In 1738, the discovery of these homes and their furnishings reintroduced Greco-Roman art and architecture to 18th-century Italian design. National Geographic has taken those Italian concepts and created a timeless collection that features rich, traditional walnut veneers; decorative inlays; aged bronze finishes; and unique focal points with fluid, sculpted lines.

“National Geographic is renowned for its passion for travel, exploration and culture,” said Krista Newberry, National Geographic’s vice president of licensing, home furnishings. “The Italia Collection reflects our firsthand knowledge of the history, culture and beauty of classic Italian design.”

Ray Allori, vice president of wood merchandising for Lane Furniture, a National Geographic Home Collection licensee, said, “This new collection captures the beauty of Italian design while offering today’s consumer outstanding product at an affordable price.”

Several National Geographic licensing partners, including Lane, Palacek, Sphinx, iPhotoArt, Toyo, New Creative and Brewster, have contributed their talent and design resources to create this timeless celebration of ancient Italy. From furnishings, lamps and area rugs to accent pieces and accessories, the Italia Collection pays homage to the history and architectural splendor of the Greco-Roman era.

National Geographic dedicates the net proceeds from its Home Collection to the Society’s World Cultures Fund, which supports the study and preservation of world cultures. The Home Italia Collection will be available to consumers in October 2007. For more information on the National Geographic Home Collection, log on to NGHome.com.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. National Geographic reflects the world through its five magazines, television programs, films, radio, books, DVDs, maps, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society’s official journal, published in English and 29 local-language editions, is read by more than 40 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches over 290 million households in 27 languages in 164 countries. Nationalgeographic.com receives more than 4 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 8,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.